By George OPARA
The embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has officially withdrawn from his reelection bid under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027 general elections.
Fubara affirmed that his reconsideration became necessary after deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, friends and associates.
Earlier, Spear News Nigeria has reported that Fubara was mulling to exit the guber race after attending the Rivers State Political Stakeholders’ closed doors meeting where he was advised to withdraw from the race following unfavorable political landmines stacked against him.
It would be recalled that his estranged predecessor, Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, had severally promised him a firece political fight should he insists on his reelection bid.
The governor, however, personally made his withdrawal public through a statement he made available to newsmen on Wednesday night in portHarcourt, capital of the state.
Meanwhile, not only Fubara but Tonye Cole also withdrew from the guber race, leaving Hon. Kingsley Chinda and Hon. Kelly George to contest the guber primaries.
Part of the statement reads, “I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries.
“I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.
“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude.
“I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel.
“Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain.
“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.
“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.
“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process.
“I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.
“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.
“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.
“Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State”.
Discussion about this post